Session Tips & Styling Guide
WANT A FAIL-PROOF FORMULA?
Put most of the family in different neutral shades (i.e. ivory, gray, beige, etc) and then add a few pops of coordinating color. Click here for inspiration.
START WITH ONE PERSON.
It’s way easier to visualize the whole puzzle once you know what one piece looks like! Try starting with mom, since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints.
COMPLEMENT, DON’T MATCH.
The days of all white shirts and khaki pants are long past! We want colors that generally complement each other. For example, warm colors are best during fall & winter (brown, orange, green, & burgundy). If you want colorful images, then you should choose a more vivid color scheme for your outfits!
GENERALLY, SOLIDS WORK BEST.
Pops of pattern can definitely look great, but if you’re looking for a fail-proof family combination, go with solids. To keep things from looking boring, include textures (think chunky knits, tulle, lace, etc). Avoid tiny prints, especially small plaid and small stripes. If you’re wanting to do a pattern, I usually recommend the mom to have the pattern, so she stands out!
CONSIDER YOUR HOME DECOR.
If you’re planning to hang your images in your living room that’s decorated in all white, you probably don’t want your clothing to be dark. If you’re hanging them in a colorful nursery, then wear complementary colors.
CONSIDER THE SEASON & LOCATION OF YOUR SESSION.
If your session is in a beautiful green field during the spring, green wouldn't be a great color to wear. But if it's fall or winter, green is one of my favorite colors. It important that your clothes don't match but simply compliment the location and time of year.
PLAN FOR THE WEATHER.
Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in a perfect outfit. If you’re planning an outdoor session in October or November, the weather can be hot or cold. I recommend adding layers to your outfits-- think about cardigans, shawls, etc.
DON’T FORGET SHOES!
These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfits! If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot (just bring walking shoes to get from point A to point B).
TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES WELL IN ADVANCE!
Check your outfits from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try sitting, squatting, leaning forward, etc. The kids’ clothes should work well in motion too so that we can play during your session (think flying, tickling, and hanging upside down).
SAY NO TO THE FOLLOWING:
FORMAL & ATHLETIC CLOTHES
Let your clothing match your surroundings. For example, a tuxedo or formal dress will look out of place in the woods or your home.
BRIGHT WHITE
If you love white like me, try off-white or ivory instead.
DARK COLORS
Black and dark navy/brown/gray should all be avoided, since they tend to darken the overall feel of your photos. If you like the natural, bright & airy look wear lighter clothing.
NEON COLORS
These create skin tone/color cast issues.
VERY SATURATED COLORS
I.e. bright red, bright yellow, etc. Instead, try more muted versions of the same color. For example, replace bright red with a dark, deep burgundy & replace bright yellow with a beautiful mustard, etc.
LOGOS & TEXT
Words will draw attention away from your faces. It also can date your photos!
HOLIDAY COLORS
Even if you’re planning to use these images for your holiday cards, steer away from holiday-colored clothing like bright reds and greens. Let your card design incorporate those instead. This way you can enjoy your images year-round.
SHORT-SLEEVED T-SHIRTS
Button-down or structured shirts with thicker material generally look better in photos. If you have a t-shirt you love, try layering a cardigan or blazer on top.
TINY PLAID, SMALL STRIPES, & COMPLICATED PATTERNS
These don’t always translate well in-camera.